I'm a professional dabbler, working in music, photography, journalism, cynical musings, and the occasional bit of fiction.
Chris Ford
Tony Iommi Shares Gear Choices for Black Sabbath’s ’13’ Album
Living legend Tony Iommi recently spent some time with Guitar World talking all things Black Sabbath. He spoke candidly about his ongoing battle with cancer, working with Ozzy Osbourne for the first time in nearly 35 years and other topics including how he got the grimy guitar tones for Sabbath’s latest album, ’13.’
Deep Purple’s Steve Morse + Roger Glover Create Custom TonePrint Sounds
Deep Purple have been around for a long time, and they have continued to influence musicians and entertain fans with their heavy sound and unique tones. Now, thanks to TC Electronics, guitar and bass players have the ability to utilize some of the signature tones developed and used by guitarist Steve Morse and bass player Roger Glover.
Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands Winner to Play 2013 Aftershock Festival
Ernie Ball announced recently that it will be sponsoring its 17th annual Battle of the Bands this summer. The band that wins will get to play on the Ernie Ball Stage during Monster Energy’s Aftershock Music Festival happening in Sacramento, Calif. on Sept. 14 and 15.
Limp Bizkit’s Wes Borland Shows Off His Left-Handed Jackson King V
Limp Bizkit's Wes Borland took some time to show his Jackson King V to Music Radar. When a representative from Jackson called Borland and told him about some guitars he might want to check out, Borland jumped at the chance. When they opened up what they thought was a reverse Jackson King V, they discovered that it was actually a left-handed guitar. Even though Borland is right-handed, the always-q
Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine Reveals New Monster Guitar Strings
Cleartone Strings has unveiled their new Dave Mustaine signature Monster guitar strings. Mustaine partnered with the company after he tried a set of Cleartone strings and loved them. He said they felt more solid and durable and that they were noticeably louder than his normal strings.
Legendary Drummer Gene Hoglan Adds Dates to Gene Hoglan Experience Tour
Gene Hoglan has drummed for more metal bands than would be prudent to list here, but his credits include legendary acts such as Testament, Fear Factory, Death and Dark Angel. Earlier this month, he announced that he’s hitting the road with The Gene Hoglan Experience. Starting this fall, Hoglan will be going out to select locations for an intimate meet-and-greet with metal fans.
Alice In Chains’ William DuVall Shares Amp Fascination + Go-To Guitar
Alice In Chains co-vocalist and guitarist William DuVall spoke with Music Radar about the new album, ‘The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here,’ and during the chat he took some time to address how the band gets some of their great guitar sounds and how that played into the creation of their latest record.
Megadeth’s Chris Broderick Shreds Classically in Jackson Guitars Video
Metal fans know Megadeth’s Chris Broderick can shred like no other, but they may not know Broderick’s affinity for classical guitar. The video above features a humorous look at the shredder working at Jackson Guitars’ office. In the clip, you can get a close-up look at Broderick playing his custom Jackson Soloist 7.
Staind + Newsted Guitarist Mike Mushok Offers Lessons Via JamPlay
Mike Mushok, lead guitar player for Staind and recent addition to Newsted's lineup, has partnered with JamPlay, which is a website where professionals and members of top bands provide insight and lessons on how to learn guitar fundamentals.
Slipknot’s Jim Root and Mick Thompson Talk Gear on a Budget
Slipknot’s guitar players Mick Thompson and Jim Root sat down with Music Radar to discuss the band’s early days and the gear choices they made that shaped Slipknot’s distinct sound. Thompson and Root talk about how being flat-broke influenced the gear they used on Slipknot’s debut album and how, as the band became commercially successful, what gear they used when they had the money to get whatever